Thursday Evening.

This is late Thursday evening–this may not be a long update –we are
standing in awe once again before our Heavenly Father for granting to
us the wisdom we have sought for as well as an almost unbelievable
test result–after a very long, dark 2 days, we sat down and spoke to
Dr. Walter last evening–he feels Melanie has a very good chance to be
“cured” of the Burkitts lymphoma if we hit it hard very soon–she will
be much more sick for a longer period of time–yesterday we had
decided we did not want to go this route because we thought they did
not expect her to survive the treatments, which we misunderstood.
–however, after our conversation last evening, Marty & I both felt
very clear that we both wanted to do chemo along with an
alternative–to make a long story shorter, Dr. Walter had the pharmacy
look at what we wanted to give her, and came back with his blessing to
go ahead with this —the MRI of the brain that was not able to be
done yesterday, was done today– we got the MRI report this afternoon
that showed “improvement”!!!! We have no doubt in our minds that God
has helped us make decisions –the power of prayer is just
incredible–almost beyond our comprehension–I’m reminded of the verse
that says God is able to do way beyond what we can even ask or think.
We are moving forward one step at a time, one day at a time. We know
the road ahead will be difficult but with all of you standing with
us, we feel we are not alone. Prayer needs we have- our children at
home, Mel’s friends, Doctors technical wisdom, Mel’s ability to fight
off infection, Mel’s ability to stay upbeat during treatment, our
ability to help with our children’s emotional wellbeing, and Mel would
really like to attend church camp Oct. 5-7. We don’t know if this is
even possible, I guess it depends on how well she feels at that time,
and if the doctors will be able to release her.
We are most grateful once again for such a caring support group that
we have–we so much appreciate the many kindnesses that have been
poured out on our family–we ask God to richly bless each of you–the
next months will be long and difficult, but we ask again that you
would hold us up before our Heavenly Father for grace, endurance, and
strength–Thanks for loving us and caring! Marty & Lori & family

A Little More Hopeful.

This is Rob.
After further consultation with the doctors today, things appear to be more positive. This update will include 2 parts. One as an online chat I had with Lori the other as a summary from one of our ministers. (Bro. Dave)

Part 1 (Chat with Lori)
Robert: Dave reported that things may not be quite as bad as originally thought?
Sent at 9:53 PM on Wednesday

Martin: yes–the same Dr. that we thought last evening was saying that Mel wouldn’t survive the treatments, apologized for giving us that impression–he said if we don’t give the treatments, things would be very tough since this is aggressive, but it is also very responsive to treatment and he would without question give this treatment to his daughter–so after a very tough evening last night we feel much better–I asked about a curable “rate”–he said his best guess is 50% cure rate–we still need much prayer & wisdom–he again said she will get very sick, and we’ll be looking at around 6 months treatment.

Robert: That sure sounds a lot better. Its good he was able to clear that up.

Robert: Do you think you might have a chance to put out an update?
Dave might be sending me an update from what he observed while with you tonight.

Martin: I don’t think it’ll happen tonight–we’re pretty exhausted–maybe tomorrow–we think the MRI is early AM.

Robert: Ok. I will let Dave put something together
Martin: that’s fine–we haven’t gotten to talk with our children at home –not sure if we can hopefully fill them in in the morning–

Part 2 (From Bro. Dave)
Ellie and I were up to visit Melanie this evening and Rob wanted me to give an update. Melanie had a successful surgery today to relieve an infection or abscess. They attempted to do an MRI, but were unable to get that completed. Melanie seemed to come through the surgery well and was in a congenial mood. Marty and Lori expressed appreciation specifically for all the support and particularly for your prayers. They had a meeting with the oncologist this evening who strongly encouraged them to follow through with chemotherapy, which though it would be very difficult, yet has a real possibility of being successful. It would seem that the radiation has been effective at least at this point, and they feel that chemo could take care of the lymphoma. It has been a tough couple of days for the family, yet the grace of God is evident in their response. Pray for wisdom for Marty and Lori as they seek the Lord’s will in regard to farther treatment for Melanie. Let’s also continue to pray for strength and stability for the family as they continue to face the possibility of extended family life interruption.

Blessings, Bro. Dave

Please Pray.

This is Rob posting an update on Melanie. This will be done by copying the chat I had with Marty tonight since they are at the hospital. As you will see, they certainly need our prayers and support…

Rob: Hey there…
Martin: what’s up?
Rob: I had a call from mom and she said you had a tough visit with the doctors today.
Martin: yeah her cancer is aggressive. She also has an infection in her abdomen which they are planning to drain tomorrow
Rob: I guess you will need to wait until the rest of the tests come back before deciding on what the next steps should be?
Martin: yeah she needs an MRI tomorrow also.
Rob: ok
So did they confirm the spots near the kidneys as more cancer?
Martin: the one doctor said we might be here for a month or more if we decide to do aggressive chemo.
Rob: oh ok
Martin: it is cancer but not 100% sure what kind.
Rob: Are they suggesting aggressive chemo as the best route?
Martin: they always start out with the least and work up to the more powerful stuff which will make her very sick.
Rob: Oh ok, well, we will keep praying that the Lord will give you much wisdom. A lot of tough decisions for sure. Try to hang in there and let us know if you need anything…
Martin: okay
Rob: Is Lori making out ok?
Martin: not too great
Rob: Yeah its got to be hard.

Monday Night

Dr. Powell called Lori today and said they will need to be spending more time at the hospital. He said there is a possibility that there is some kind of cancer near the kidney. The pathology report is not really back yet though so they are still hoping it is just dead cells. The report may not be back until Wednesday. Meanwhile they are still on schedule for the PET scan tomorrow and there will be other tests this week. Pray for Marty and Lori as they will both be heading back up there with Melanie and as there will be consults with doctors and decisions to be made. Also remember the children at home. Grandpa Ivan and Grandma Edna have decided to stay at Marty’s with them. May God’s will be done! “…The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by Him; and the LORD shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders.” Deuteronomy 33:12

Sunday Night

Melanie had a CT scan last Thursday, 9-20-07. On the way home, about at Middletown, the hospital called Lori and said they wanted her to bring Melanie back up to be admitted for a kidney stone that they had seen. Lori asked if she could come home first and then go back up. So they headed back up later on. Melanie passed the kidney stone but they also did a biopsy of something that was hanging from her kidney ( I think that is how Lori said it). They really are not sure at all what it is. She will find out pathology reports on Tuesday, 9-25-07. That is also the day that she goes for her PET scan. They were able to come home again from the hospital Friday evening and Melanie was able to enjoy a volleyball tournament her sisters were playing in at Greenwood! I am sure the family continue to covet your prayers as they face the uncertainties of testing and such. God bless you all for your interest!

Thursday Evening

My most sincere apologies for not giving an update sooner–we have
been extremely busy with everyday routine–we are presently at A I
duPont for another round of chemotherapy–we came on Wednesday,
September 10th and will probably be here until Saturday–we continue
to make the daily trek to Christiana for radiation–the 30 treatments
have gone by surprisingly fast–Tuesday, the 11th will be day 30–on
Monday the 10th we will be seeing Dr. Masters from Christiana for the
adenocarcinoma since this is an adult cancer–we are hoping that he
will be pleased with the surgery and will opt for only radiation
without more chemo–Melanie is getting a little weary of the ride back
and forth–we will see–
Toward the end of September, we will be coming up to A I duPont for
an MRI of the head, a CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, and a
PET scan–we are praying for good news for these tests–it is not an
easy time of waiting for test results, but we continue to ask for
complete healing and trust our future to our Heavenly Father–
It has been good to see everyone here at the hospital–even though
they are great, home is so much better–Marty is at home with the
other children, which makes for a smoother time there–Jana was not
wanting us to come back here without her, but she did so well the
morning we left–I think I know why–that same morning as we were
leaving radiation, we met a lady with her husband & daughter–we have
seen them on different occasions there, but really don’t know
them–that morning we passed them in the parking lot–they were asking
how Melanie is doing–I told them we were headed to the hospital–the
daughter said that morning as she was making her coffee, she was
praying for Melanie–we have been so grateful and blessed to have
caring people all around us that spend the time lifting us to the
Throne of Grace–we can certainly feel those prayers–that really
means so much to our family–please continue to pray as we continue
our journey–
With love, Lori
for the Miller’s

Saturday Evening.

This is Rob posting a small update:

Melanie is doing as well as can be expected at this time. She has been going to Christiana every weekday for radiation treatments. This Wednesday she will be admitted to AI Dupont for the second round of chemo treatments. Please continue to keep Mel and the family in prayer as they move forward in the days ahead.

Follow the link below to my blog since one of the pics includes Melanie and some of her family.

Click here>   The Roblog